Type the name of the breed you're looking for below
[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Don't see the breed your're looking for? Click here and let us know!
Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
5 paws - breed exhibits most amount of this characteristic
[fbcomments]
Austrian Pinscher
| Other Names | Österreichischer Kurzhaarpinscher, Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher, Austrian Farm Dog, Osterreichischer Pinscher |
| Country of Origin | Austria |
| Weight | 26 - 40 lbs. (12 - 18 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 14 - 20 inches (36 - 51 cm) |
| Coat | The double coat is short to medium long. |
| Colour | Yellow, red or black and tan colours, usually with white markings on the face, chest, feet and tip of the tail. |
| Litter Size | 3-6 puppies |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 Years |
| Origin & History | The Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher was recognised as a breed for the first time in 1928, but the breed was developed from an old type of pinscher found on farms in the Austrian countryside, a mixture of German Pinschers and the local dogs. Claims of great antiquity have been made for the old pinscher type. Since there are no records, it is not possible to tell how the old type is related to the modern-day breed, although they do look somewhat similar. At the end of the 19th century, the farm dogs began to die out when the work they did was no longer needed. In the early 20th century Emil Hauck, looking for an aboriginal dog type identified in 1843 by H. von Meyer as Canis palustris or dog of the marshes (a type of dog, not an actual species), found what he believed were some examples of similar dogs in the Austrian countryside. In 1921 he began serious breeding to revive and define the type of the breed, to separate them from other landrace pinschers of the area. The Austrian Kennel Club (Austrian Kynologenverband) first recognised the breed as the Österreichischer Kurzhaarpinscher (translates in English as Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher) in 1928. The name was given to the breed to identify its place of origin as Austria ( Österreich), and to differentiate it from the Schnauzer which at that time was called the Rough-haired Pinscher (rauhaariger Pinscher). After World War II, though, the breed almost vanished. In the 1970s only one registered dog of the breed remained, named Diokles of Angern. Breeding this dog with other dogs identified as of the old pinscher type in the area ("Landpinschern") has brought the breed back, although there are still only a small number of them. Ark Austria (Arche Austria), an association for the preservation of endangered indigenous breeds, lists the Austrian Pinscher and states that it is highly vulnerable, with only 6 to 12 breeding animals, who are being carefully bred to preserve health and breed type. The breed is recognised in its country of origin by the Austrian Kynologenverband (ÖKV, Austrian Kennel Club) and internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in the Pinscher section of Group 2. It is also recognised by the United Kennel Club in the United States as the Austrian Pinscher as of 2006, in the Terrier Group, for its background as a rat hunter. In addition it is recognised by a number of minor kennel clubs and internet based dog registry businesses under a variety of translations of the name, who may rewrite the standard to suit producers of dogs for the rare breed pet market. Purchasers of puppies and dogs from groups outside the Austrian breed restoration program should read the original standard (obtainable in translation from the FCI) and their dog's pedigree to make sure they are buying an Austrian Pinscher and not an excessively inbred or a random-bred dog. |
| Personality | The Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher was developed as a farm dog used to guard livestock and guard the home. Without enough mental and physical exercise it will be high strung. This terrier is most content in the country where it can put its instinctive abilities to work. It loves sports and will gladly join you in any you wish to involve it in. A fearless and attentive watch dog, it will bark at suspicious sounds. His bark does not make him ideal for urban life. This breed may not get along well with other dogs if you as the alpha human do not properly communicate to the dog that is unacceptable behavior. Socialize well. It takes its guarding duty seriously. This is not a breed for the meek or passive owner or an owner who does not understand canine instincts and the need to have an alpha leader. This dog needs a firm, but calm, confident and consistent handler. Without one it will have the tendency to bite as it tries its best to tell YOU what IT would like you to do. With the proper leadership, a job to do and the right amount and type of exercise this breed will excel. If you do not have time to extensively work with and exercise your dog, or do not fully understand canine instincts and their need to have leadership, this is not the breed for you. |
Care Requirements
| Health | It does not appear that any health studies have been conducted for this breed. As a result it is difficult to make any statements as to their health. Most seem to think that the Austrian Pinscher is a healthy breed that suffers from low rates of genetically inherited health conditions. As breed numbers are very low there is great concern among breeders and fanciers that the health of this breed will be compromised. To prevent this from occurring, the KOB has initiated stringent breeding procedures as well as continuously searching for new animals in the hope that they will expand the gene pool. Although health studies have not been conducted on the Austrian Pinscher, they have been for closely related breeds. Based on this information, some health issues that the Austrian Pinscher may have include: •Hip Dysplasia •Elbow Dysplasia •Demodicosis/Demodex Mange/Demodectic Mange •Cataracts •Von Willebrand’s Disease •Cardiac Failure •Autoimmune Disorders |
| Grooming | The Austrian Pinscher is a very low maintenance dog. This breed should never require professional grooming; only a regular brushing is necessary. Only those tasks which all breeds need such as toenail clipping and tooth-brushing are required. Austrian Pinschers do shed, and some of them shed quite heavily. Although there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, the Austrian Pinscher is less suited for allergy sufferers or those who hate cleaning up dog hair than many other dogs. |
| Exercise | The Austrian Pinscher will get enough exercise if he is living on a farm however, if you don't have a big yard the dog needs to go on a long daily walk. This dog is up for long walks, bike rides, or whatever you want to do with him (flyball, agility). |
| Other Considerations | The best condition to have for an Austrian Pinscher would be a farm, however a large yard will do. |
